Choice Rewards Program Has Just Gotten A Great Upgrade!!

If you are like myself, and do a lot of traveling, then you know how valuable rewards programs are.  You also know that some are not as good as others!!  

I am very excited to see that Choice Hotels is doing their best to make you feel like they truly value you as a customer.  Take a look at some of their awesome new features to their rewards program!!

The demand for bigger, better, and faster rewards are at an all-time high, even as many loyalty programs – and their perks – are being reduced in scope for members across a number of hospitality categories. Bucking the trend, Choice Hotels has recently announced a series of bold, exciting and completely unique changes to their rewards program, bringing greater and faster value to their over 25 million Choice Privileges members. Some of these new and improved perks include free nights at discounted point levels, instant digital gift cards, and points that never expire!

The program enhancements are being implemented to bring greater and faster value to the over 25 million members of Choice Privileges.  Some of the new benefits include:

• Your Extras. Weekday travelers can earn a special reward — a little something 'extra' — right when they check in. For each qualifying stay that includes at least 1 weekday night (any night Sun. through Thurs.), the member can earn a special reward of their choice. U.S members have 5 options, varying from Fuel Rewards® savings at participating Shell locations to Amazon.com credit. International members have 2 options: 500 bonus points or 100 airline miles from participating airline carriers.
• FlexRewards. Get to a free night faster— Members can redeem points for free nights at discounted point levels at participating hotels, varying by season. There will be up to 2,000 hotels reduced during either the weekdays or weekend at any time.
• Digital Gift Cards. The first hotel company to offer immediate in-app gift card downloads, Choice Privileges members can receive instant gratification with new digital gift cards.
• Keep Your Points. As long as members stay active by completing a qualifying activity at least once every 18 months, they get to keep their points.
• 10 Points per Dollar.  All 5,500 Choice Hotels now earn 10 points per dollar spent – including economy and extended stay hotels, such as MainStay Suites, Suburban, EconoLodge and Rodeway Inn.  And, during our award winning promotions, it is now easier than ever to qualify since members no longer need to stay two consecutive nights at economy brands.

"The exciting new changes to our Choice Privileges program mark a major milestone in Choice Hotels' history," said Jamie Russo, VP of Loyalty and Customer Engagement. "While many rewards programs continue to decrease the value of benefits for their guests, we're building a loyalty program that gives more and faster perks to travelers starting right when they join. We have built these new features around guests, and we want them to feel constantly rewarded by the new Choice Privileges wherever their travels take them."

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Rhode Island Is A Perfect Place For Summer Fun!! #RISpringBreak

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  My family and I were invited to visit the places in this post for review purposes.**

Recently we were given the opportunity to explore some fun activities in Rhode Island for kids.  We had a terrific time, and can't wait to go back!! 

Our first stop was a marine education facility called Biomes.  This is the most hands on aquarium in New England.  My boys were very excited when they saw all the areas for touching the fish and marine life!!  

Our first fun learning activity was hearing from the owner Mark Hall.  He let us know that the fish are found locally in Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.  He also showed us a fun demonstration with a puffer fish.  He grabbed the fish in the water a certain way, which made it puff up.  Then he took the fish out, and basically tickled it.  All of a sudden the fish spit out all the water it used to puff up!!  It was really cool to see.

After the puffer fish demonstration, we got to explore.  There were a lot of cool fish, lobsters, turtles, and even frogs to check out.

The boys were able to touch turtles, and stingrays.  They loved it!!

All and all we had a great time at Biomes, and the boys are very excited to head back during summer vacation!!

We continued our fun filled day at the Roger Williams Zoo.  This was the first time visiting for all of us.  

Our first reaction when we walked in was "we've been here!"  The zoo is set up very much like a very fun place we visit in Florida in a certain Animal park.  We felt completely at home!!

There were quite a few animals to visit, and they were all pretty close.  You could see them!!  A lot of places advertise the animals, but they are always in hiding.

There were also two extra activities that were seasonal going on.  We could ride a camel, and/or check out their Birds From Down Under event.  We walked up to the camel and said hi, and then went to see the Birds.  I knew the kids would love seeing all the birds close up, and we got to feed them too!!

We had a lot of fun exploring the zoo, and we can't wait to go back!!  Being from New England, we were very happy to see that the zoo even had our favorite coffee place to help keep us going!!

After the zoo, we got to do another first.  We went to a live baseball game and saw the Pawtucket Redsox play the Lehigh Valley IronPigs!!  But first, we got to eat!!  Our tickets included an all you could eat buffet and the food was DELICIOUS!!!

I had to pry the kids away from the food so we could go watch the game!!  It was cool that while we ate the IronPigs warmed up, so we got to see the players up close!!

Now mind you, none of us are really into sports.  We don't play them really, and we don't usually watch them.  I watch the Superbowl, but just for the commercials!!  So I wasn't sure how well the kids would sit still during the game.  I was very happy that not only did they enjoy it a lot, but I did too!!  Besides the fun of watching the live baseball game and dodging foul balls (we were behind 1st base,) we also joined in on the fun extra trivia and games to keep the baseball games downtime to a minimum.  It was a lot of fun, and even better, the Pawsox won!!

We had an excellent day visiting these fun places in Rhode Island, and we can't wait to explore more of the state this summer!!

Thank you very much to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and Havas PR for introducing us to these fun places and putting up with us for the day!!




This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Cirque Du Soleil's Toruk The First Flight Arrives In Worcester MA Dec 11th-13th #TORUK

About the show

TORUK – The First Flight is a live immersive multimedia spectacle that brings to the stage the breathtaking world of James Cameron’s AVATAR like you have never seen it before.

Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination.

Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and populated by unforgettable characters, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora.

TORUK – The First Flight performs at DCU Center from Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 13.  Tickets are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/toruk.

Follow us on: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / Tumblr / Google +

#TORUK #Avatar #CirqueduSoleil

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Summer Is Not Over Yet At Mystic Aquarium!! #SummerFun

There is still some summer left in New England, and Mystic Aquarium is a great place to enjoy some Monday night fun!!

Today and next Monday (the 31st) are the last two days to enjoy Mystic at night with out the heat, sun, humidity, or large crowds!!

We got to explore the Aquarium at night and loved it!!  Almost all of the attractions were open (the penguins were not sadly) and we got to explore without the heat!!

Check out some of the fun we had, and things we got to see.

Mystic Aquarium Introduces Summer Nights Every Monday in August

Mystic, CT -- Mystic Aquarium launched Summer Nights this past Monday for guests to enjoy some of the more popular exhibits as dusk settles on the day. Every Monday during the month of August, visit Mystic Aquarium from 6pm – 9pm and experience the allure of summer nights at the Aquarium.

 

Experience underwater worlds throughout the main gallery where guests can see sharks, jelly fish, stingrays, frogs, turtles, and more. Explore exhibits like Washed Ashore and the ever-popular Arctic coast where visitors enjoy New England’s only Beluga whales. Find adventure and come face-to-face with six foot American alligators in Exploration: Wild.

 

There is no better way to unwind then with the tranquility of Mystic Aquarium after hours.

 

Guests can also take advantage of special hotel discounts Monday nights in August.  The Mystic Hilton is offering a 30% discount everyMonday with room rates ranging from $149 - $299. Residence Inn-Mystic offers 15% off on rooms booked Sunday through Thursday.  Enjoy 10% off meals every Monday at the Steak Loft and Pink Basil both located in Olde Mystick Village.

 

Beat the heat, bypass the crowds, and relish in this new summer tradition. It’s heat wave happy hour at Mystic Aquarium.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate starting at 6pm day of event. $20 adults (18+); $15 youth (13-17); $12 child (3-12); Free for Aquarium members and children 2 and younger. Guests can enjoy the Arctic coast, Exploration: Wild, and main gallery throughout the evening.

 

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www.twitter.com/mysticaquarium

www.facebook.com/mysticaquarium

www.youtube.com/mysticaquarium

 

About Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium is a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research.  Sea Research receives major support from United Technologies Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Learn more at mysticaquarium.org.

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Summer Nights Every Monday In August At Mystic Aquarium.

Mystic Aquarium Introduces Summer Nights Every Monday in August

Mystic, CT -- Mystic Aquarium launched Summer Nights this past Monday for guests to enjoy some of the more popular exhibits as dusk settles on the day. Every Monday during the month of August, visit Mystic Aquarium from 6pm – 9pm and experience the allure of summer nights at the Aquarium.

 

Experience underwater worlds throughout the main gallery where guests can see sharks, jelly fish, stingrays, frogs, turtles, and more. Explore exhibits like Washed Ashore and the ever-popular Arctic coast where visitors enjoy New England’s only Beluga whales. Find adventure and come face-to-face with six foot American alligators in Exploration: Wild.

 

There is no better way to unwind then with the tranquility of Mystic Aquarium after hours.

 

Guests can also take advantage of special hotel discounts Monday nights in August.  The Mystic Hilton is offering a 30% discount everyMonday with room rates ranging from $149 - $299. Residence Inn-Mystic offers 15% off on rooms booked Sunday through Thursday.  Enjoy 10% off meals every Monday at the Steak Loft and Pink Basil both located in Olde Mystick Village.

 

Beat the heat, bypass the crowds, and relish in this new summer tradition. It’s heat wave happy hour at Mystic Aquarium.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate starting at 6pm day of event. $20 adults (18+); $15 youth (13-17); $12 child (3-12); Free for Aquarium members and children 2 and younger. Guests can enjoy the Arctic coast, Exploration: Wild, and main gallery throughout the evening.

 

###

www.twitter.com/mysticaquarium

www.facebook.com/mysticaquarium

www.youtube.com/mysticaquarium

 

About Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium is a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research.  Sea Research receives major support from United Technologies Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Learn more at mysticaquarium.org.

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Thomas The Train Is Coming To Edaville!!

MATTEL & EDAVILLE USA ANNOUNCE TICKETS FOR
FIRST NORTH AMERICAN THOMAS LAND™ NOW ON SALE

With Grand Opening of Thomas Land on August 15^th, Island of Sodor Comes to Life in
New England’s Famed Edaville USA for Thomas the Tank Engine’s 70^th Anniversary &

Edaville USA’s 70^th Anniversary

Families Will be Able to Enjoy a Variety of Thomas & Friends® Experiences Across North America Throughout 2015

New York, NY– Peep! Peep! This August, everyone’s favorite #1 blue engine and the Island of Sodor will come to life at Thomas Land™ at Edaville USA.  Tickets to the first Thomas Land™ theme park in North America are now on sale atEdaville.com/ThomasLand. Mattel has teamed up with Edaville USA, a family amusement park and heritage railroad located in South Carver, MA to open Thomas Land, the largest permanent Thomas & Friends® attraction in North America.

Thomas Land at Edaville USA welcomes visitors for the first time as part of Thomas the Tank Engine’s 70^th anniversary global celebration in 2015, and Edaville USA’s 70^th anniversary.  The grand opening of Thomas Land this summer on Saturday, August 15, 2015 continues a year of celebration for Thomas & Friends in 2015 as the brand celebrates its 70^th anniversary with new content, partnerships and activations around the globe.

Thomas Land™ is set in the lush New England landscape of Edaville USA, covering 11.5 acres and boasting 11 rides based on Thomas & Friends and the Island of Sodor.  Attractions at Thomas Land will feature a 20-minute long, scenic train ride on a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine™, and theme park favorites including a roller coaster, drop tower, Ferris wheel, soft-play area and much more. 

All of the rides and attractions will feature full scale and working models of beloved characters such as Thomas, Diesel, Toby, Cranky the Crane, Harold the Helicopter, and more favorites.  Guests can visit familiar destinations around the Island of Sodor like Tidmouth Sheds, Knapford Station, and Brendam Docks.  Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor, will be on site to greet and take photos with guests.  Even more details will be revealed leading up to the park’s grand opening.  Tickets for Edaville USA, including Thomas Land™, are on sale now and available by visiting Edaville.com/ThomasLand.  Ticket prices are $29 per person for ages 3 and up.  

For Thomas fans who can’t wait for the opening of Thomas Land, little engineers will be able to enjoy a Thomas & Friends experience at other exciting venues throughout 2015.  These attractions include: 

·         Day Out with Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2015 is a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends themed activities.  The tour, now in its 20^th year, will make stops in 42 U.S. cities and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2015. At each stop, little engineers and their families are invited to take a 25 minute ride on their favorite engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt®, and enjoy a day of Thomas & Friends themed activities including arts & crafts, storytelling and more. Tickets for Day Out with Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2015 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free 866-468-7630, or by visiting dayoutwiththomas.com or ticketweb.com/dowt. 

·         Introducing children to Thomas the Tank Engine™ and his engine friends from the Island of Sodor in an interactive learning environment, Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails is a touring children’s museum exhibit that combines exciting play opportunities with important concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails will be at Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, TN, from May 23-September 13, 2015 and at Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas from September 26, 2015 through January 10, 2016.  For more museum exhibit locations and dates, please visit events.hitentertaiment.com.

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

New Disney Store Opening In Burlington MA On June 13th!! #Disney

DISNEY STORE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF LOCATION IN BURLINGTON, MA

WHAT: Disney Store will celebrate the grand opening of the store at Burlington Mall in Burlington, Massachusetts, on Saturday, June 13, 2015. Burlington Mall is one of several Disney Stores to celebrate its Grand Opening across North America in 2015, offering an immersive retail experience with a touch of magic for Disney fans of all ages. New for 2015, the Disney Store grand opening celebration will feature a festive song, composed specially for Disney Store and performed by the store Cast Members. Additionally, the first 500 guests to attend the opening celebration will receive a free gift and an opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in the Lower Level Center Court from noon to 4 p.m.

Remodeled to include unique elements including a blue Pixie Dust Trail, Magical Trees, Disney Store Theater and Storytelling Neighborhoods featuring Disney, Marvel and Star Wars product statements, the Store also includes design elements exclusive to Burlington. As guests enter the Store and look above, they will see a customized skyline incorporating local landmarks – including the Burlington Town Hall and the Francis Wyman house – in addition to classic Disney features and magical storytelling moments.

In anticipation of the upcoming theatrical release of Disney·Pixar’s Inside Out on June 19, 2015, Disney Store locations, including at Burlington Mall, will host a special in-store event to introduce Riley’s emotions in a fun and engaging way. The Inside Out event will run on Saturdays for four weeks – June 6, June 13, June 20, and June 27 – at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. During the activity, guests will enter Control Central inside Riley’s mind where they’ll see how Anger, Fear, Sadness, Disgust and Joy work together to create memories that come in all colors!

The event will include:

·         Interacting with all of Riley’s emotions on the Media screens in the Disney Store Theater

·         Learning how each emotion makes you feel and how it is best to express that emotion

·         Discovering that all emotions are important and that they help make up who you are

·         A FREE memory ball for guests to store in their own Long Term Memory**

·         During Summer Play Days, guests will also receive an Inside Out button when they attend any event between Sunday, June 6 and Sunday, July 5**

WHEN: 

GRAND OPENING – Saturday, June 13, 2015

• 10 a.m. | Disney Store Grand Opening Ceremony where one lucky child will be invited to “Unlock Imagination.” The first 500 guests will receive a free gift.*

*While supplies last

• Noon – 4 p.m. | Meet and Greet with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in the Lower Level Center Court. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras.*

*Characters alternate every 30 minutes. Character appearances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

WHERE:

Disney Store at Burlington Mall

75 Middlesex Turnpike
Burlington, MA 01803

VISUALS:

• First look at remodeled Disney Store, including the blue Pixie Dust Trail, Magical Trees, Disney Store Theater and Storytelling Neighborhoods
• Local families enjoying the immersive experiences, and meeting with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

**All giveaways are subject to availability. Outlet Disney Stores will only host spontaneous entertainment.

ABOUT DISNEY STORE NORTH AMERICA
The Disney Store retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe, and Japan. Disney Store is the retail merchandising arm of Disney Consumer Products, the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and its affiliates that extends the Disney brand to merchandise. Disney Store carries high-quality products, including exclusive product lines that support and promote Disney's key entertainment initiatives and characters. Disney Store opened its first store in Glendale, California and, in doing so, originated the themed retail business model. There are currently more than 200 Disney Store locations in North America; more than 40 Disney Store locations in Japan; and more than 70 Disney Store locations in Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom, plus online stores www.DisneyStore.com, www.disneystore.co.uk, www.disneystore.fr, www.disneystore.de, www.disneystore.se,www.disneystore.dk, www.disneystore.it, www.disneystore.es and www.disneystore.co.jp. Each Disney Store location offers a magical shopping experience that can only be delivered by Disney, one of the world's largest and most successful entertainment companies. For more information, please visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com/press/us/disneystore or follow us at www.facebook.com/DisneyStore and www.twitter.com/DisneyStore.

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.